The previous interim government in Dhaka faced accusations of failing to safeguard Hindus amidst recent political unrest
Bangladesh’s recently elected prime minister has pledged to safeguard the nation’s minorities, designating this as a primary objective for his new administration.
During his inaugural televised address as prime minister on Wednesday, Tarique Rahman stated that his government intends to reinforce the rule of law across the South Asian country.
“Our aim is to transform this nation into a secure haven for all its citizens. This country belongs to every one of us – Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians – irrespective of political affiliation, viewpoint, faith, or ethnic background, whether residing in the highlands or the lowlands,” he declared.
Rahman’s Bangladesh National Party (BNP) secured a victory in the general election held on February 12, marking the first polls since a violent uprising in 2024 led to the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The interim government, headed by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, faced criticism for overseeing a series of assaults targeting the nation’s Hindu population and other religious minority groups.
Rahman stated on Wednesday, “Regardless of whether you cast your vote for BNP, chose not to vote for BNP, or abstained entirely – everyone possesses equal rights concerning this government… As Bangladeshis, each of us holds equal rights within this country, within this state.”
The human rights organization Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF) reported that in January 2026 alone, the country experienced 21 lynchings and 28 mob beatings, as per a PTI report.
The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council documented 522 communal assaults in 2025, which encompassed the killings of 116 individuals from minority faiths, predominantly Hindus, between June 2025 and January 2026.
India, in January, recalled the families of its diplomats stationed in Bangladesh as a preventative step and enhanced security for its diplomatic facilities following reports of attacks against minorities.
In December, New Delhi urged Bangladesh’s interim government to safeguard minorities amidst the rising turmoil in Dhaka after a political activist was killed.